Harry Potter series vs. Twilight series for preteen (mythology, literature, themes)

[lisdol]

To start off, from my limited knowledge of it, I had not thought the Twilight series was appropriate for pre-teens but like I said, I don't know too much about it.

I was talking to a cashier at Walmart yesterday about books (both of our boys are 10 yrs old) b/c I was buying a Lightning Thief series book and I mentioned my son loved the Harry Potter books as well. He said they stopped after book 4 because it got too dark, and now his son is into the Twilight series.

What do you think of the Twilight books? I never in a million years would think to recommend it to my 10-yr old boy. I see a lot of teenage girls reading the Twilight books, but never boys.

[StarlaJane]

I think that Harry Potter will be much more appropriate and relevant for 10-year old boys, mostly b/c the main protagonist is male (whereas, in the Twilight books, the main protagonist is female.)

I also think that the themes in Harry Potter are more educational (remember that J.K. Rowling was an English teacher before she wrote the books), especially with regard to Classical Mythology and ethical issues (note: many people point out that the book is "liberal" in its mindset, so be aware of that.)

The Harry Potter series touches on the development of intimate relationships between adolescents but it is not the main focus (in contrast to the Twilight series, which is, essentially, an adolescent love story, which is why it is so popular with teenage girls.)

I think that Harry Potter is a better choice. Also, if you go to the "Books Where Animals Are The Main Characters" thread, then you will see a lot of books (not all) that might also be of interest to you as a choice for your boys.

[charolastra00]

Twilight appeals to the worst kind of pre-teen female, IMHO. Harry Potter is well written (and moreso as the series progresses) and almost universally appealing. I would never think to recommend Twilight to anyone (unless they want an example of poor literature that appeals to the masses) but certainly not to pre-teen boys.

[lisdol]

Thanks guys. My boy has read all seven HP books over and over - I am on Year 4 right now, so I have some idea of the style but, of course, Harry and his friends grow a year older with each book.

Twilight seemed like such an odd thing for a 10-yr-old to like but I figured I'd ask.

[JC JC Mom]

I read both the HP and Twillight series and I agree I wouldnt want my 10 year old reading it ... there is nothing fresh about the book but I think it may be a little to much for a 10 year old...

[swg]

I think Twilight is too much for a ten year old. Not to mention, probably not something a ten year old boy would be interested and pretty awful. The Harry Potter books are excellent, and although they do get darker as the series progresses, I don't think anything would be inappropriate for a ten year old, especially if a parent had read them also and was able to discuss the books along the way with the child.

[eevee]

Originally Posted by charolastra00

Twilight appeals to the worst kind of pre-teen female, IMHO. Harry Potter is well written (and moreso as the series progresses) and almost universally appealing. I would never think to recommend Twilight to anyone (unless they want an example of poor literature that appeals to the masses) but certainly not to pre-teen boys.

ah, I wish I could rep you, but I have to spread it around first! . no offense to the sane females that enjoy the series, but female Twilight fans, esp. the preteen ones, are some of the worst fans out there! not sure what is it about this series that attracts so many of these crazed girls (to the point many allegedly attack those that express negative comments about the books or even bum rush the star of the movies and causes him to get clipped by a cab!). IMHO, the relationship portrayed in Twilight comes off, at best, highly unrealistic and overwrought (like a bad Harlequin book for teens), and at worst, really creepy and abusive (yes, many people have pointed instances that could be interpreted as such). and from what I've heard, the fourth book in the series is REALLY not something a 10yo should read (something about a lot of rough sex that resulted in broken bones and furniture and bruises though I don't know how graphic or detailed it's described)

Harry Potter appeals to so many more people than Twilight ever could. even though the protag is a boy, he has issues both boys and girls could relate to (and girls have Hermione and Ginny to relate to also). depending on how fast a 10yo boy reads the series, he could age as the series gets darker (though IMO, it doesn't get so dark a 12yo or even a mature 10yo couldn't handle it). I don't find anything in the series particularly disagreeable theme wise unless you have strong religious beliefs and dislike the notion of witches and magic

as a side note, I love the Percy Jackson series (read the first 4 books so far) and would recommend them to a 10yo boy or girl w/o hesitation. I've also heard great things about the Artemis Fowl, Bartimaeus, and Pendragon series (though I think Pendragon may be a bit much for a 10yo, not quite sure)

[lisdol]

Is the Percy Jackson series the Lightning Thief et al. by Riordan?

[eevee]

Originally Posted by lisdol

Is the Percy Jackson series the Lightning Thief et al. by Riordan?

yup. The Lightning Thief is the first book of the series

[hutch5]

I agree with all the previous posts. I read both HP and Twilight and my children (10 and 13) have both read and greatly enjoyed HP. I would certainly NOT recommend Twilight to my 10 years old boy and he would not be interested in it anyway.

Some of the books he liked were: the Narnia series, the Young James Bond series (a bit violente at time but well written and read with my husband), some adventure books written by Bear Grylls and some of the old but always good books such as "Treasure Island".